Properties of group B streptococci with protein surface antigens X and R.
A total of 128 bovine and 134 human group B streptococci were serotyped by conventional methods. Among the bovine cultures, 60 (47%) had type antigen X, and among the human cultures, 53 (39%) had type antigen R. The occurrence of type antigens X and R was significantly related to the growth pattern of the bacteria in fluid media. Type X- and R-positive cultures and most of the nontypeable cultures predominantly formed long chains and grew as granular sediment with clear supernatant. In addition, group B streptococci with surface antigen X or R showed compact colony formation in soft agar and reacted positively in the salt aggregation test. These properties, possibly caused by the surface charges of the X- and R-positive cultures, might be related to bacterial pathogenicity.
Wibawan
I W
IW
Institut für Bakteriologie und Immunologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessén, Federal Republic of Germany.
Lämmler
C
C
D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000276:immunology*; D002417:Cattle; D006801:Humans; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D001426:Bacterial Proteins